Balistrere's 'big decision' clears way for Esterly

Berks Catholic won't finalize its coaching staff until later this spring, but an announcement Friday by the Allentown Diocese shed some light on who might end up as the Saints basketball coach - and who won't.

When Holy Name basketball coach Tony Balistrere was named principal of the new school, it cleared the way for Central Catholic's Snip Esterly to be named as the Saints' first boys basketball coach.

Most thought the job would go to Esterly or Balistrere, both of whom have run successful programs at their respective schools.

Esterly wasn't sure he wanted to pursue the new job because of his respect for Balistrere, who decided not to pursue the coaching position.

This news, he said, makes it an easier call.

"It helps my decision, knowing that Tony will be principal," Esterly said. "I had concerns, with both of us (potentially) going for the same position. I didn't want to see that happen. I was really torn (as to whether to apply or not)."

Esterly remains torn. In addition to expressing his interest to coach at Berks Catholic, he has applied for the girls basketball coaching position at Cocalico, where his daughter will be a junior next season.

He said he'll consider both positions.

Balistrere, meanwhile, ends his five-year run as basketball coach, one that included a pair of Berks IV championships, in 2008 and 2009, interrupting a streak that had seen Central win 8-of-9 division titles.

Balistrere, who has grown up around the game, certainly was in no hurry to give up coaching, but he could not pass up an opportunity to lead Berks Catholic.

"It's a big decision, but this is great for our family," he said. "Now, instead of coaching 12 or 14 boys, it'll be 600 or more. I'll still be coaching; it'll just be in another capacity."

Balistrere was elevated from assistant coach to head coach early in the 2006-07 season when Lloyd Wolf abruptly resigned.

He took the Blue Jays on to a 20-7 finish and also won 20 games in each of the next two seasons, reaching the Berks Conference title game and the District 3-AA semifinals in 2009.

In five seasons he went 82-42.

Esterly has coached the Cardinals for 22 seasons, winning five Berks titles and 16 division titles.

He ranks second in Berks history with 542 victories and third with an .803 winning percentage.

"I felt bad for either of us," Esterly said of being the odd man out in a battle for a coveted position only one could occupy. "I'm so glad that he got that position. He's a great guy."

Also Friday, the Allentown Diocese announced that Bill Hess, the athletic director at Holy Name, will serve in that capacity at Berks Catholic.

Hess said the names of candidates interested in coaching at the new school have been passed on to the Diocese.

Balistrere said that coaching decisions will be finalized after teaching and support staff decisions have been made.

Hess said that Berks Catholic's PIAA classification would not be determined until enrollment is completed and submitted to the PIAA. Registration is scheduled to begin Sunday.

Hess said he believes Berks Catholic will end up as a Class AA school in most sports.